HARTFORD — Gov. M. Jodi Rell is being urged to sign a bill that would open the state employee health insurance program to municipalities, small businesses and nonprofit agencies.

The state Senate gave final legislative approval to the bill on a 22-12 vote shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday, the final day of the 2008 General Assembly session.

Proponents claim the voluntary proposal would lower medical costs for cities and towns and ultimately lead to lower local property taxes. But Rell's budget chief has criticized the legislation, saying it could risk about $54 million in savings the state recently achieved by rebidding its state employee health care plans.

Two insurers that offer the plans have said they'll immediately re-rate their bids if the bill becomes law.

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